July 2012
While this is a hot topic right now in the pacific north west, this topic is something that we all feel very strong about here at Clayoquot Wilderness Resort. It has been said over and over - NO MORE FISH FARMS in Clayoquot Sound. Clayoquot is a delicate ecosystem and many do not want to disrupt the already delicate life cycle any more than it already has been.
I sat down with John Caton, Managing Director, of Clayoquot Wilderness Resort to discuss this hot topic and was pleasantly surprised to hear that we stood the same ground: It’s not that fish farms are evil or bad and that wild salmon is good, it’s a matter of open containment farming vs. closed containment farming that is the more important topic. Farms bring employment to communities on so many levels - farmers, scientists, divers, mechanics and so many more and lets not forget the worlds want for this delectable fish. If it weren’t for the farms, our wild salmon might be in the same plight as the worlds shark population! If you haven’t already watched Sharkwater, it’s a must! Although the decline of these species is for different reasons, decline from human hand remains the same.
Some points to note when considering farmed vs. wild salmon is that both fish carry disease that is detrimental to the other. With this alone, does it not make sense to have each fish protected from the other that can harm it? There are a few farms, Marine Harvest, that have caught on to this way of thinking and for that, we salute you!
Until the day comes where true sustainable farming happens with all involved, we will stand by the petitions to help the voice that stands for no more farms. We will help fight the fight for sustainable fishing practices and will always stand behind the fight for wild salmon.
As the sun comes through the mountain peaks, and you hear the birds chirping you know it’s time for a stretch, have a yawn and get out of bed because the day awaits you.
First order of the day is visiting and feeding the gorgeous animals that we are fortunate enough to call ours here at Clayoquot Wilderness Resort. 30 horses in total will need feeding before you can lumber up to the kitchen to grab your own grub. Toss down a few bales of hay to scatter around for them, all the while trying to have them not eat out of your arms! Hungry little buggers in the morning they are!
After finding out what the day will entail – maybe a ride up the Urses River on a full day outing? Maybe a morning ride to Guppy’s Cabin? All is told from the Cowboy himself, John Caton, at the morning guide meeting. As the morning progresses, the guests are met and briefed. Time to suit up!
On the hook of the coral are the trusty well-worn chaps that have been around the trail a few times. A good worn in blanket for the horse and a beautiful comfortable leather saddle are put into place and it’s time to ride.
We set off through the camp and head on up the trail. As the sun cascades through the trees, the horses are at peace. The thighs start to burn, but it’s that good kind of burn; that kind that feels like you have been in a saddle all day.
The horses want to run so we open ‘er up and let ‘er go! The wind is in the hair, the cheeks go rosy with the sun, the hooves pound the earth and the smile could light up a room! Everyone is out of breath and it’s time for a watering hole stop. When done, the journey home begins. The afternoon has worn on, and it’s time to get the guests home cause you know that the stomachs are itching for some of Chef Orr’s culinary delights and maybe a cool drink prepared by Sommelier, Tereza!
As camp draws closer and the trail dips into the distance, you breathe a sigh and smile and hope that maybe you will get to do it all again tomorrow!
For those of you that have been to the west coast before will understand this term. For those that haven’t, let me explain a little.
Growing up in Ontario we had the Muskoka area filled with lakes and beautiful trees. I grew up skiing at Blue Mountain and the Beaches in downtown Toronto were my safe haven.
After moving to British Columbia 6 years ago, I quickly realised that although Muskoka will always be beautiful and will always have a place in my heart, Vancouver Island has some of the same scenery if not more. Blue Mountain has turned into a mole hill compared to the beauties we have out here and well, the Beaches…besides being a great place to live in Toronto and a beautiful community; nothing could ever beat Long Beach or Chesterman Beach here in Tofino.
‘Wildside’ is a meaning that can truly be used only for the west coast of Canada and even more so, the west coast of Vancouver Island. It is here where you get the dramatic landscapes, the driftwood rolling up on beaches, sand stretching for miles with waves hitting the shores. Surfers taking the plunge in world class surf. Jagged snow-capped mountain peaks, adventure trails in your own back yard and whales as your neighbours.
Just one of your amazing vistas that you will see on the private beaches at Flores Island.
The term ‘Wildside’ doesn’t just explain the amazing adventures that you will encounter here on Vancouver Island, it also defines a trailthat has been used by the Ahousaht people for thousands of years here in Clayoquot Sound. This 11km trail is an escape into the remote wilderness through a trail that will take you deep into the rainforest and out onto beaches alongside the Pacific Ocean and is one of our amazing activities.
Your lap of luxury in the wild!
When you join us at Clayoquot Wilderness Resort this wild landscape is all around you. When you wake up in one of our tents with nature calling just outside (the birds, not the other nature calling) you know that you are in a true camping if not “glamping” experience.
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